Gastric problems that require immediate treatment

Digestion is a process that involves a large number of organs. Gastrointestinal (GI) problems and diseases can involve one or many of them. Appendicitis, pancreatitis, ulcer, acidity etc. are some of the conditions that affect the GI tract. There are other conditions, diseases and disorders that affect the intestines as well, some of them may be life threatening if not treated immediately. Here are some intestinal emergencies to beware of.

Gastrointestinal bleeding
GI tract bleeding is not always accompanied by bright red blood in the stools. The symptoms will depend on the location of bleed. If it occurs in the upper intestines, the blood will be partially digested and the stool will appear like tar or coffee grounds. It will have a distinct metallic and rotten egg smell. If the bleed is near the end of the intestine, then it will be bright red and loose.

GI tract bleeding may be caused by peptic ulcers, gastritis, swelling of esophageal veins due to liver disease or cancer.

Peritonitis
Peritoneum is a continuous membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and the abdominal organs. Peritonitis is a bacterial or fungal infection that could be life threatening. Rupture of an appendix, stomach or intestinal wall can lead to peritonitis.

Symptoms begin as loss of appetite, nausea and dull stomach ache and progress to constant severe pain, fever, diminished urine and bowel frequency and output.

Acute mesenteric ischemia
Mesenteric arteries supply the gastrointestinal tract with blood from the heart. When they are blocked by a clot or due to any other reason, blood supply to the GI tract is blocked. Depending on the location and severity of the block, the portion affected will become increasingly damaged with the progress of time leading to tissue death in the intestine.

Bowel obstruction
When the intestines are blocked by foreign bodies, cancers, adhesions etc. food cannot pass through and is backed up. Sometimes the intestine may slow down drastically and the extreme slow motion of contents down them will lead to blocking. The symptoms include swollen abdomen, pain, cramping, severe constipation/ diarrhoea, vomiting. If the site of the blockage develops a perforation or experiences tissue death, then it has to be treated immediately to prevent sepsis.

World class gastrointestinal treatment
Rela Hospital is a quarternary care hospital with one of the best gastrointestinal services. Advanced procedures, cutting edge technology and highly experienced gastroenterology team provide the best gastroenterology care for all digestive tract diseases and emergencies.

If you have any digestive disorder, disease or discomfort, consult our gastroenterologists for expert care.